The Corrupting Influence of Money and Material Goods

Bible Summary. For those who put all their faith in corruptible, material things, they will be disappointed. Money becomes a corrupting influence when we just accumulate money and riches for its own sake. The love of money compels us to take advantage of our neighbor at every turn. Money, riches, and the “good life” can distract us from achieving what God would have us do. The love of money corrupts us where we become indifferent to what is right and what is wrong. See below for Biblical commentary and advice concerning money and corruption.

Do Not Put Your Faith in Material Goods As They Eventually Corrupt and Fade Away.

For those who put all their faith in corruptible, material things, they will be disappointed. Material things do not last, and will not help us in the hereafter. James 5:2 advises us of how riches and material good decay and eventually fade away to be of no use or value.

James 5:2, “Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten.”

A Life Dedicated to the Accumulation of Money is a Life of Corruption and Destruction.

Money becomes a corrupting influence when we just accumulate money and riches for its own sake. Gold and silver nor money really rust, but the accumulation of these riches causes a spiritual corruption. James 5:3 advises us of the dangers of accumulating money and riches for its own sake.

James 5:3, “Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.”

The Love of Money Corrupts Us To Take Advantage of Our Fellow Man.

The Bible tells us to love our fellow man. This is not possible when we are corrupted by the love of money. The love of money compels us to take advantage of our neighbor at every turn. James 5:4 provides the example of an evil employer that defrauds his laborers and holds back their wages.

James 5:4, “Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down our fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.”

The Love of Money Corrupts Our Flesh and Our Purpose.

Money, riches, and the “good life” can distract us from achieving what God would have us do. Without God in our lives, money corrupts. If we are not careful, money and what it will buy can corrupt our flesh as well as our purpose in life. James 5:5 advises us of the dangers of total indulgence is the sensual pleasures of life.

James 5:5, “Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.”

The Love of Money Corrupts Our Judgment of What is Right and Wrong.

The love of money corrupts us where we become indifferent to what is right and what is wrong. We can become so obsessed with money that we will do anything that threatens our riches. James 5:6 advises us of how the love of money and power will have us condemn and kill the just.

James 5:6, “Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.”

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Featured: How to Add Value as a Christian

Adding Value. The Bible tells us how to add value in the workplace, in the home, and in any situation. We add value by working on things that are good. Good things are products and services someone needs at a fair marketplace. Good things should also line up with the word of God. By a Christian being pure and holy, he will be assured of working on good things that are of value to man as well as God. How to Add Value as a Christian